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Mets Make Move After Sixth Straight Loss
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Currently reeling from a six-game losing streak, the New York Mets are also dealing with the absence ace starting pitcher Kodai Senga who suffered a right hamstring strain during a June 11 win against the Washington Nationals. The injury occurred while Senga was covering first base in the sixth inning and reached for a high throw from Pete Alonso.

He exited after 5.2 dominant innings, having allowed just one hit and striking out five. With a league-best 1.47 ERA, Senga has been the anchor of a rotation now in flux. His absence leaves the team without its most dependable arm at a time when bullpen usage is already stretched thin.

Manager Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner are left scrambling to find answers ahead of a pivotal series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The bullpen has been heavily taxed during this skid, and options are limited. The Mets’ need for innings, stability, and upside has made their latest move all the more urgent.

Enter Blade Tidwell.

Tidwell, the organization’s top pitching prospect, has been recalled for a second stint in the majors (via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). 

His debut last month against the St. Louis Cardinals was a mixed bag—3.2 innings, three walks, and an inflated 14.73 ERA—but also offered a glimpse of his potential. His fastball touched 96 mph, and his slider showed promise, though command issues derailed what began as a confident start.

This second opportunity comes with real stakes. The Mets don’t just need an arm—they need production. Tidwell now finds himself thrown into the fire, tasked with stabilizing a spiraling rotation and proving he’s more than a prospect. His ability to adjust, execute in high-leverage situations, and limit base traffic will determine both his future role and the club’s immediate fortunes.

With Senga’s timeline unclear, the Mets must rely on internal reinforcements. That means young pitchers like Tidwell must mature quickly, because every game now holds postseason implications.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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